Young Lion celebrates grand opening

Thursday

Jun 29, 2017 at 11:07 PMJun 29, 2017 at 11:07 PM

Patrons and backers offer a toast to the new craft brewery on Canandaigua Lake.

By Mike Murphy mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com

CANANDAIGUA — After a toast to great beer, great friends and a great future — with glasses of pilsner and pale ales held high — the Young Lion Brewing Co. officially opened, with two years of planning and building only a memory.

And an “idea and a dream” concocted over beers with friends became reality, said Alicia Wolk, a co-owner of the craft brewery, during a grand opening ceremony Thursday.

“It truly has taken a village to bring this project to fruition,” Wolk said.

Count Kyle Smith and Jamie Costa of Rochester among those who are happy to see the brewery open.

Smith said his brother, who works in the beer industry, told him that Young Lion’s pale ale is one of the best he’s had. And from his seat at the bar, Smith agrees.

“I love the beer,” Smith said.

Costa said she and Smith enjoy the water, so having a beer down by Canandaigua Lake is the best of both worlds.

“I love that it’s on the water,” Costa said. “It’s just a good atmosphere.”

That’s the feel the owners and staff were looking for from the beginning.

The craft brewery, which the owners said is the second largest in the Finger Lakes region, is a key piece of the first phase of the $120 million Pinnacle North development.

Mayor Ellen Polimeni said the project, and brewery, is an example of how the lakefront is coming along.

“The ambiance it’s created is absolutely wonderful for the community,” Polimeni said.

The owners and backers of the brewery say the project is a result of a combined passion for great beer and the Finger Lakes region, according to co-owner Jen Newman.

“The region is growing, and we’re excited to be part of this,” Newman said. “We’re so proud to be part of this movement.”